[Web4lib] video conferencing over the web, Web4lib Digest, Vol 54, Issue 26

[Diane Bédard]

- I use SKYPE for voice conferencing among multiple users, or video  
conferencing between two users... overall it is the BEST service in  
it's class for this.

I also use  DimDim for excellent whiteboard space and screen share/ 
desktop share.   DimDim also allows you to fully record the session.

Normally a the team of us will meet and work together, using BOTH  
DimDim for the  screen share and Skype for the voice (both apps within  
one meeting)... and this is all free.

However, If I understand your request... you want more than just  
multiple voice.... you want multiple video... i.e. tthat video as to  
be more than just two people... in that case you need to move to a  
commercial service...

Something like Elluminate which gives chat, voice, whiteboard, screen  
share, app share... and a video camera control that can be passed  
around the participants (only ONE video image at time, but can be an  
open use/sharing mode among all participants)

or

ooVoo - which is a paid service as well, allowing up to 6 video images  
to be a part of the chat at the same time, plus 6 more voice-only users.
  I suspect that that is most similar to what you are trying to  
describe...

NOTE: for all of these... no extra equipment is needed... just a  
modern laptop that has an integrated webcam
**Do note that overall sound will be FAR superior if all participants  
use proper headset and microphones... not the condenser mic that is  
internal in the computer... as the internal mic picks up the hard  
drive spinning, the keyboard clicking, the reverb back from speakers  
etc.,,, so $ 40-70 on a good Logitech USB headset is a worthwhile  
investment....   and broadband is a must... this is NOT a dial-up  
option.

hope this helps you...

sincerely,

Diane Bédard
dbedard at knowledgeontario.ca
skype (voip) call:  diane_odl
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://www.knowledgeontario.ca/
Cha bhi fios aire math an tobair gus an tràigh e.


Diane Bédard
diane at MNSi.net
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> Date: Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:55:59 +0100
> From: John Fitzgibbon <jfitzgibbon at Galwaylibrary.ie>
> Subject: [Web4lib] video conferencing over the web
>
> Hi,
>
> We hope to video conference between Galway, Ireland and Lorient,  
> France. Our plan is to have the same book-club in both cities video  
> conferencing over the Web using ADSL. Our line is about 7 MegaBits  
> per second.
>
> Is this possible? What is the best web cam and display screen to  
> use? Can it be done for under $5,000?
> Any advice would be much appreciated.
> Regards,
> John
> John Fitzgibbon
> w: www.galwaylibrary.ie
> e: info at galwaylibrary.ie
> p: 00 353 91 562471
> f: 00 353 91 565039